Launching Place habitat build for endangered leadbeater possum, helmeted honeyeaters begins

Two of Victoria’s most critically endangered animals — the lowland leadbeater possum and the helmeted honeyeater — are getting their own dedicated wetland habitat.

There are fewer than 40 lowland leadbeater possums left in the wild. Picture: Zoos Victoria.

Two of Victoria’s most critically endangered animals are getting their own dedicated wetland habitat to help protect their at-risk populations.

The 35ha wetlands for the lowland leadbeater possum and the helmeted honeyeater will be created at Launching Place using recycled water from the Upper Yarra Sewage Treatment Plant

Both species are critically endangered, with fewer than 40 leadbeater possums and 250 helmeted honeyeaters left in the wild.

The new wetlands habitat will be home to 100 helmeted honeyeaters. Picture: Zoos Victoria.

Yarra Valley Water managing director Pat McCafferty said the start of earthworks in Launching Place was an important milestone in the Upper Yarra Restoration Project.

“It’s fantastic to get work underway that will realise our vision to make better use of land we own and create new wetlands with the recycled water we produce to preserve endangered flora and fauna species,” he said.

After the earthworks, thousands of local native trees, bushes and grasses will be planted at the site to create a habitat that replicates the natural habitat of the endangered species.

When the wetlands are complete it will be home to approximately 50 lowland leadbeater possums and 100 helmeted honeyeaters.

The earthworks are anticipated to take around 12 months to complete and will be followed by planting activity which will begin next year,